This strategy (let’s call it “Five in Your Pocket”) might bethe nudge or reminder you and I need to practice this week.

I have often challenged my students and audiences to write their top three priorities on a piece of paper. Then I ask them to list the top three activities (not counting sleep) that take up most of their time in a typical 168-hour week.

Go ahead. Do that now. I’ll stop and wait for you.

Now that you have done that, compare the two lists. Do they match? Where you put your time—is that what you said you valued? Do your actions match what you say your priorities are? (NOTE: I do not ask what you “like” but rather, what you “value.”)

This week I heard a slight twist on the above activity.

Take out a 3 x 5 index card and write down your top five values. For our purposes here, let’s focus on traits and characteristics rather than going for the obvious people (my kids, my spouse, and my friends) or things (my house and my car). For instance, here are five that came to my mind for me (they will more than likely be different for you):

Acting with discipline.

Maintaining well-being.

Making a difference.

Being dependable.

Demonstrating kindness.

Take a moment and list your top five. I’ll wait.

Image: StuartMiles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The next challenge: Put the card in your pocket and for the next week note how many times you act on your values. Do your actions reflect your stated values?

Video recommendation for the week:

Your effort matters!

I know some weeks I am on target. Others it appears that someone else made up my list. I am a work in progress. Maybe, you are as well.

But this strategy (let’s call it “Five in Your Pocket”) might be the nudge or reminder you and I need to focus on and practice what we say are our values.

Even when life seems to spin out of control with just too much stuff, “remember when” life was good–and how you can make it good (for you and others) in the days ahead. Understand your values–and live those values each day.